Gun bills advance in California capital, would raise to 21 the legal age to buy rifles, same as handguns

Gun bills advance in California capital, would raise to 21 the legal age to buy rifles, same as handguns

Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Oakland, speaks during a news conference on Jan. 9, 2018, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) In a year when mass school shootings in Florida and Texas grabbed headlines and prompted student protests, a raft of proposed new gun regulations is finding little resistance from lawmakers in California, already home to some of the nation’s most extensive gun laws. Legislators on Friday advanced many of the bills introduced in the Senate and Assembly. If approved by both houses and signed by the governor, they would raise the age for buying rifles and make it easier for authorities to confiscate guns from people believed to be dangerous. “Everything is certainly moving forward,” said Amanda Wilcox, legislative advocate for the California Chapters for the Brady Campaign. “Together, all these bills make a difference.” Gun rights supporters oppose many of the bills but said they face an uphill battle. Start your day with the news you need from the Bay Area and beyond. Sign up for our ew Morning Report weekday newsletter . “There is always hope, but we have to work hard during the second half of the session,” said Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California. Among the bills the Brady Campaign considers a priority are AB 3 by Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Oakland, and SB 1100 by Senator Anthony Portantino. Both would raise the legal age to purchase all firearms to 21, the same as for handguns in California. Portantino’s bill also would limit purchases […]